Ruthless, driven, fearless and tough are just a few of the many words used to describe Jacob Dawson. As he prepares to reach this remarkable milestone for Southport, it’s worth reliving the journey that brought him here.
A born-and-bred Gold Coast local, Dawson spent his early years playing for the Burleigh Bombers, spending countless hours kicking the footy with his father, Paul.
“We would just live at the footy club on a Saturday. All three of the boys (Jacob and his two brothers, AJ and Ethan) just loved it,” Paul said.
“Jacob always had that competitiveness, but he was conscious of his teammates as well and made sure they got their fair share of the ball. To his credit, he worked his backside off.”
Young Jacob Dawson playing for Burleigh.
Tearing up Bill Godfrey Oval was just the beginning. It was at Palm Beach Currumbin State High School where his talent truly came to the fore, earning selection in the Gold Coast Suns Academy. PBC Head of Football Neil Mackay described Dawson as the “best captain” he had ever coached.
While official records prior to 2016 are unavailable, Mackay still recalls the young star having “never lost a game” while starring in the school side.
“He was a strong character, a natural leader and someone who was respected by all of his mates. He was a coach’s dream.”
At a similar time to his school football success, the prodigious youngster was making his mark at club level, playing in Palm Beach Currumbin’s 2017 QAFL premiership side at just 17 years of age.
That same year, Dawson enjoyed a standout season in the talent pathway, representing the Allies at the National Championships. After putting together an impressive body of work, he was selected by the Gold Coast Suns as a Category B Rookie at the end of 2017.
Making an immediate impact during his first pre-season on the Suns’ senior list, he made his AFL debut in Round 14, 2018 against Hawthorn.
Having realised his childhood dream, Dawson went on to play nine AFL games across the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
Following his delisting at the conclusion of the 2020 AFL season, he returned to Southport, where he had previously spent time as a train-on player in his teenage years. It didn’t take long for him to make his mark.
Appointed captain in 2022 at just 22 years of age, his leadership qualities were evident from the outset. Still leading the club in 2026, the tough-nosed competitor remains one of the most respected figures among his teammates.
During his six-season stint at the Sharks, Dawson has earned recognition as one of the greatest players to wear the famous Black V. With three consecutive Doc Mackenzie Medals in 2021, 2022 and 2023, he has firmly etched his name into Southport history.
Alongside his club accolades, the Southport skipper has been named in the VFL Team of the Year on multiple occasions, earning selection in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The 2025 season was another standout campaign, with the star midfielder claiming the prestigious J. J. Liston Trophy as the VFL’s Best and Fairest player. On the same night, he also secured his second VFL Coaches MVP award, having first won the honour in 2022.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Jacob Dawson of the Southport Sharks poses after winning the 2025 J.J. Liston Trophy for the VFL Best and Fairest during the 2025 VFL and VFLW Awards at the Victory Room, Marvel Stadium on September 15th, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos)
At just 26 years of age, his list of achievements is already extraordinary — a fact not lost on those who have worked closest with him.
When asked about his captain, Southport Sharks Head Coach Matthew Primus summarised him as “someone that people love playing with.”
“He’s incredibly driven. You know what you’re going to get with him week in week out. He continues to want to get better and pushes others around him to do the same.”
“As a leader at such a high level, you’ve got to be able to talk the talk and walk the walk, and he’s been able to do that for the past six years.”
While the accolades continue to stack up, this milestone is one he is especially proud of.
“It’s awesome. I’m incredibly proud. Southport is a special place, and one that I call home,” Dawson said.
“I hope people remember me as an honest footballer, someone who gets the job done and cares about his teammates.”
Notching up 100 games is just the beginning, however, with the milestone man making it clear he is far from finished.
“We’ve been really close, but there’s still plenty to do and still one (premiership) to win. That’s on the horizon.”
Describing him as the “best midfielder in the competition,” Southport General Manager of Football Jarrod Field commended his character.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Jacob. From the day he arrived, he has set amazing standards. His consistency, attitude, preparation and dedication have been brilliant for our footy club,” Field said.
“He will go down as one of the greatest Sharks of all time.”
Congratulations, Jacob.
HOBART, AUSTRALIA – MAY 16: Jacob Dawson of the Southport Sharks celebrates during the 2026 VFL Round 08 match between Tasmania and the Southport Sharks at North Hobart Oval on May 16th, 2026 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Sebastian Kitchener/AFL Photos)
